CHAPTER 9

The next morning Jeremy walks into their hotel room as Candy is beginning to dress. She worriedly asks, "And just where in the world have you been?"

Jeremy replies, "I had to go see Clancey to let him know what is going on. He said he would set sail in an hour or so, but he would be back in time to take us back home to Seattle. I left you a note."

"I didn't see a note. Where did you leave it?"

Jeremy walks over to his side of the bed. "Right here on my pillow. Where is it?" he looks around and finds it laying between their pillows. He opens it and reads it to her.

"My Beautiful Candy,

I'm going over to talk to Clancey. Shouldn't take long. Then I'm going to meet with the manager of this hotel. Have them look out for you. Be back soon. I love you.

Jeremy"

Candy calms down and looks sheepishly. "Oh, I'm sorry for getting upset. I thought. . ." she shakes her head.

"Did you honestly think I ran away? Candy?"

"No, not really. But that thought did run through my mind. I'm sorry."

He takes her in his arms and kisses her lips. "I'm sorry that I gave those thoughts to you. Candy, there's still time for you to make it to the Shamus O'Flynn before it sets sail. You could be back in Seattle in a week."

"Are you still trying to get rid of me? I told you, Jeremy, I'm not leaving. I'm going to be here for you. Besides, I have something special planned for when you're released and we're on our way home." She kisses his lips tenderly.

"What is it?"

"No, if I tell you now, it'll spoil all the fun. Just know, you'll love it. Are you hungry?"

"Not really. Just nervous. But I guess we both should eat something. I don't know what I'll get to eat in that place. Or if I'll get to eat."

"Let me get dressed and we'll go downstairs to breakfast." She starts to walk away.

Jeremy grabs her and says as he begins kissing her neck. "Fine, but let's do this first. It'll be weeks before we get to do this again." He eases towards the bed and gently pushes her down. He undresses and joins her in bed.

"Well, you did show up, didn't you?" Lisa remarks with a laugh.

"You didn't think I ran away, too, did you?" Jeremy replies.

"Not really. I knew Candy would get you here sooner or later. Now, you too say your goodbyes and then I'll show you to your room." She walks away to give them some privacy.

"Well, here we are," Candy says nervously.

"Yeah, here we are. Candy, you do remember everything I told you? About being safe, I mean," he asks as he wraps her up in his arms.

"Yes, Jeremy. I remember and I promise to be careful. Don't worry about me. You just do everything they tell you to do so you'll get rid of those awful headaches. I'll see you in a week."

"A week. A long boring week," he frowns. "I'll miss you."

"I doubt that. You're going to be so busy, you won't have time to miss me. I'm the one that is going to miss you. Oh, Jeremy," she begins to cry.

"Candy, please don't cry. If you cry, I'll start crying." He kisses the tears from her cheeks.

"I'm sorry," Candy says. "It's just that I love you so much."

"I know and I love you so much, too. You be sure to send word that you made it back to the hotel safely. Don't forget."

"I won't forget. Oh, here she comes. I guess this is it."

Jeremy looks towards the door and sees Lisa coming into the room.

"Are you ready, Jeremy?" Lisa asks.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Jeremy answers. He squeezes Candy tightly and gives her another kiss. "You be good. I'll see you in a week. I love you."

"I love you, too. Bye."

"Bye. Remember, Together Forever." He joins Lisa and they walk down the hall. Jeremy turns around and gives a slight wave. Candy blows him a kiss. And then they disappear around the corner.

Candy sits down and cries. Then she collects herself and goes back to the hotel. She writes a note telling Jeremy she arrived safely. She asks the desk clerk if there is anyone that could take this over to Jeremy. He calls on a young bellhop named Billy to deliver the note. Candy pays him and she goes up to their room and collapses on the bed and she cries for Jeremy.

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